City Council gives final approval to storm water fees, pension overhaul

Yvonne Wenger, The Baltimore Sun

Two key budgetary measures are headed to Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's desk after the City Council gave final approval Monday to new storm water fees and a pension overhaul.

The new storm water fees will cost homeowners between $40 and $120 a year. The rate depends on the amount of impervious surfaces that allow rainwater to wash pollution into Chesapeake Bay tributaries.

The council signed off on the fees — included in the city's $2.4 billion operating budget — without discussion. Councilman Brandon M. Scott voted against the plan, having previously voiced concern over the impact to his Northeast district.

Municipal workers will now have to contribute 1 percent of their salaries to the city pension each year for five years, growing to 5 percent. The increase is paired with a 2 percent raise each year for a total raise of 10 percent.